AUGUST OUTLOOK
This group will be asked to set the tone physically in Jimbo Fisher's new offensive mindset. They'll face extremely difficult competition. Such is life in the SEC trenches. There's versatility here, as Jim Turner likes to teach his players multiple positions across the line.
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HARD YARDS
Third down and less than three will be a situation to track for the Aggies. This will be the test when grading the O-Line's physicality.
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In '17, A&M rushed the football 35 times when they had 3rd and three yards or less to go. They made a first down on 18 of those, about half. They need to be better. This is how offenses can help their defense. Stay on the field, create first downs and allow the defense to rest.
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On third down conversions overall, A&M only hit on 38 percent of them a year ago, ranking 84th nationally. By converting more, the defense doesn't have to go right back out on the field.
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It all starts with a physical brand up front. The offensive line has to create enough to convert on 3rd and one or two in the run game.
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It doesn't call for big gains, but it'll be a big stat. It'll tell just how rugged the offensive line can get. It could be the difference in more than a game or two in 2018.
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BOOK ENDS
At the all-important tackle positions, expect a couple sophomores to be the anchors. Dan Moore Jr. and Carson Green saw action as freshmen, and they'll be counted on.
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Both made their first career starts at Florida in 2017.
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"I knew it was real when we ran out on the field and it got so loud I couldn't hear the person next to me," recalls Moore Jr.
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They've received their initiation, now they look to dictate play against opposing fronts.
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Aggie defensive end Landis Durham, one of the SEC's best pass rushers, has praised both Moore and Green this August. He's gone against them day in and day out.
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That bodes well, as Moore Jr. and Green will face a week after week onslaught of dominant SEC defenders.
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THE MATCHUP
Of all the matchups A&M has against an opposing position unit, the one awaiting the offensive line on September 8th is at the top of the list.
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A&M's O-Line against the Clemson defensive front will be one to watch. Can the Aggies hold up? With Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant at end, and Dexter Lawrence and Christian Wilkins at the tackle spots, many feel like the Tigers boast the best front four in college football. All of them are NFL caliber, and are probably ready for Sundays right now.
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It's not just Clemson, though. Once the Aggie offensive line is finished with the Tigers, they'll go against impressive fronts from Alabama, Mississippi State, Auburn and LSU.Â
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But, on the first Saturday night of the season, A&M has a chance to pull an upset that would reverberate through the country. When Clemson comes to College Station, Kyle Field will vibrate from the sheer volume of the 12th Man. If the Tigers' front four dominates, they'll create silence. If the Aggie offensive line can stand up to them – Kyle Field might come unhinged.
This group will be asked to set the tone physically in Jimbo Fisher's new offensive mindset. They'll face extremely difficult competition. Such is life in the SEC trenches. There's versatility here, as Jim Turner likes to teach his players multiple positions across the line.
Â
HARD YARDS
Third down and less than three will be a situation to track for the Aggies. This will be the test when grading the O-Line's physicality.
Â
In '17, A&M rushed the football 35 times when they had 3rd and three yards or less to go. They made a first down on 18 of those, about half. They need to be better. This is how offenses can help their defense. Stay on the field, create first downs and allow the defense to rest.
Â
On third down conversions overall, A&M only hit on 38 percent of them a year ago, ranking 84th nationally. By converting more, the defense doesn't have to go right back out on the field.
Â
It all starts with a physical brand up front. The offensive line has to create enough to convert on 3rd and one or two in the run game.
Â
It doesn't call for big gains, but it'll be a big stat. It'll tell just how rugged the offensive line can get. It could be the difference in more than a game or two in 2018.
Â
BOOK ENDS
At the all-important tackle positions, expect a couple sophomores to be the anchors. Dan Moore Jr. and Carson Green saw action as freshmen, and they'll be counted on.
Â
Both made their first career starts at Florida in 2017.
Â
"I knew it was real when we ran out on the field and it got so loud I couldn't hear the person next to me," recalls Moore Jr.
Â
They've received their initiation, now they look to dictate play against opposing fronts.
Â
Aggie defensive end Landis Durham, one of the SEC's best pass rushers, has praised both Moore and Green this August. He's gone against them day in and day out.
Â
That bodes well, as Moore Jr. and Green will face a week after week onslaught of dominant SEC defenders.
Â
THE MATCHUP
Of all the matchups A&M has against an opposing position unit, the one awaiting the offensive line on September 8th is at the top of the list.
Â
A&M's O-Line against the Clemson defensive front will be one to watch. Can the Aggies hold up? With Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant at end, and Dexter Lawrence and Christian Wilkins at the tackle spots, many feel like the Tigers boast the best front four in college football. All of them are NFL caliber, and are probably ready for Sundays right now.
Â
It's not just Clemson, though. Once the Aggie offensive line is finished with the Tigers, they'll go against impressive fronts from Alabama, Mississippi State, Auburn and LSU.Â
Â
But, on the first Saturday night of the season, A&M has a chance to pull an upset that would reverberate through the country. When Clemson comes to College Station, Kyle Field will vibrate from the sheer volume of the 12th Man. If the Tigers' front four dominates, they'll create silence. If the Aggie offensive line can stand up to them – Kyle Field might come unhinged.